What Requirements Need to be Met for My Dog to Fly?

It’s important to note that pet flying requirements vary between airline companies. Before you begin your hunt for whether you need a pet carrier with wheels or one that folds out, make sure you check with your airline on pet travel fees, carrier size requirements, and health certificates.

Before you get amped on your trip with your fur baby, research and compare airline pet policies to choose the best one that suits your needs.

How will Fido take flight?

Your dog’s size and weight will be the deciding factor on whether or not she can fly in the cabin or will have to be stored as cargo. Once again, every airline has different rules, but generally if a dog is over 20 lbs (9 kg), cargo it is.

Checking your dog into a cargo

You’ll want to make sure you buy a hard pet carrier for a dog going into cargo.

Inquire about a “last on, first off” policy that ensures your dog will be boarded at the last minute and will get off the plane first without having to wait in the holding area for too long, especially in extreme climates.

Speaking of extreme climates, is the cargo area of the plane you will fly in a climate controlled? It doesn’t hurt to ask. You might even want to consider planning your trip around changing climates, jet-setting when it’s not the dog days of summer or snow-blown winter.

Finally, you can ask about special check-in procedures for your dog. Some airlines will let you escort pupper to the cargo facility and will track her location for each leg of the journey to ensure she ends up at the right destination and not Bermuda.

You can follow the pet carrier guidelines outlined by the International Air Travel Association (IATA). Even if you are flying domestic (which tends to be a bit more lax with certain pet requirements), following the official international guidelines is the safest bet when your dog flies cargo.

The Do’s

Size: In order to provide plenty of space for your dog, the pet kennel must be the pet’s body length plus half their leg and tall enough so that the ears do not touch the roof. You can get more info on choosing the right size crate here.

Must have a single, whole metal door: It shouldn’t collapse in or fold.

Dishes: Two bowls (one for food, one for water) must be attached to the door of the kennel and not the sides so that air personnel can supply food and water without opening the door.

Zip tie the carrier’s door shut.

Padding: The carrier must be lined with a soft, fabric bed along with potty pads in case of an accident.

Side Rim: A spacing rim of ¾ on all sides is required to prevent potential biting when personnel carries the kennel.

Stickers: All sides of the carrier must sport “live animal” and “this way up” stickers. Some airlines will provide these if you ask. Otherwise, be sure to bring your own.

Ventilation: Make sure there are air holes on all 4 sides of the carrier. They should run at least halfway up the wall.

Emergency Info: Attach a contact card to the crate that gives your contact info, an emergency contact, the destination and flight number, any medications and feeding instructions.

Keeping your dog in the cabin

Small dogs can fly in-cabin, offering a bit more convenience and peace of mind for you since you won’t have to be separated during the flight.

Most airlines require that a carrier fits beneath the airplane seat in front of you, that it’s leak-proof and offers proper ventilation. Some airlines limit the number of pets on a flight, so you need to take care that you book your dog early.

Be mindful of how your dog reacts around others, as you’ll be sitting in close proximity to other passengers. If Fido gets anxious and will bark, discuss relaxation options with your vet, such as strapping on a ThunderShirt or using calming drops.

If your dog is a brachycephalic breed (Pugs, Bulldogs, etc.) respiratory issues from pressure changes in the cabin can be dangerous. Check with the vet and airline company about breeds that are not permitted to fly.

What Safety Concerns Should I Have About My Dog Flying?

When it comes to safety, it all boils down to how well you know your dog and then making a conscientious decision about whether or not flying is really best for her.

Here are our top 8 tips to double up on doggie safety in the sky:

Pay a visit to your veterinarian beforehand to get the approval to travel.

Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and matches with your dog’s microchip.

When booking your flight, go for direct. Layovers mean more time in the carrier for your pooch and increase the risk of nightmares, such as delays or lost cargo.

To be able to fly, your dog should already be potty and crate trained. But, accidents do happen- especially in high-stress environments. Line your pet carrier with a potty training pad.

Make sure there is plenty of water if the flight is longer than a few hours. Pack an extra meal, water bottle and collapsible bowl in case of an emergency.

Slap a label with your name, pet’s name and full contact info on the carrier and on your dog’s collar.

Take your dog for a long walk the day before the flight to burn energy and calm her down.

Before the big travel day, introduce doggie to her new pet carrier and let her get used to being inside of it.

To prepare your carrier for the trip, take a look at this video, which offers some informative tips.

What Features Should I Look for in an Airline Approved Pet Carrier?

You’ve talked to potential airlines about their pet policies, booked your direct flight and taken your doggo to the vet. Now, it’s time to look for the best dog kennel.

Here is a list of the most prominent features that can make you and your dog’s life much easier on the tarmac:

Zipper or velcro enclosures: Take a look at how manufacturers allow you to open and close the carrier. Is your dog hyperactive? Velcro enclosures offer pet owners fast access but might be too easy for rambunctious pooches to bust out of. Zippers offer more security but can be a pain to finagle, getting caught on fabric or your pup’s fur.

Pockets: Pockets are a lifesaver, allowing you to store supplies and treats in an organized fashion without having to dig through your own luggage.

Soft bedding: Keep your dog cozy with a fabric lining. Opt for a thinner layer rather than thick in case it gets too hot.

Wheels: If the backpack or purse pet carrier won’t go over well with your shoulder muscles, opt for a rolling pet carrier that is airline approved. This makes it easy to maneuver your way through the airport without putting too much strain on your joints. Keep in mind that wheels are not allowed for hard crates that will fly in cargo.

Leash: Some soft carriers will feature an attached short leash to hook your dog’s collar to when she’s inside the crate. This is handy to prevent her from trying to jump out while strolling through a busy airport.

Soft or hard: which type of carrier is right for me?

It all boils down to your dog’s size and weight when determining which material is best for you.

Soft pet carrier for small dogs

Flexible, light and easy to maneuver, the soft pet carrier is ideal if your dog is going into the cabin with you.

The majority of airlines require that you must fit the carrier underneath the seat, which is more doable with a shapeable soft carrier.

The Best 10 Airline Approved Pet Carriers for 2018

Let’s get down to it. We’ve chosen our favorite pet kennels that offer everything you could ever need to give your dog the most comfortable flight.

Best crates for in-cabin use

Soft Sided Pet Carrier Comfort

Price: $

Our Rating: 5

Main Features

Recommended for small dogs; 17″ L x 9″ W x 11.5″ H

Meets standards of most airlines

Zipper enclosures

Comes with removable pad for easy cleaning

Extra pockets for storage

Shoulder strap

Our Overview

This soft pet carrier is well-ventilated on the sides, allowing for dogs to stay cool while fitted snugly under an airplane seat. It also allows them to see what’s going on, which can help supplement calmness.

The thin, removable pad is soft, yet just the right size so your dog isn’t too hot and stuffy.

A small key ring is included so you can conveniently hang a contact card with doggo’s information. As well, there are extra pockets to store treats and poo bags, just in case.

The only (minor) nuisance is that the entrance of the bag is not wire supported, causing the top to cave in around the dog and diminish space.

Overall, you can’t beat what you get for the price. This shoulder-strap bag is totally affordable and provides all of the bells and whistles you’d want from a soft pet carrier.

PetAmi Premium Airline Approved Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

Main Features

Our Overview

At first glance, you might think that for a soft pet carrier, the price is a bit up there. That’s until you see all of the awesome features it comes with.

PetAmi thought of everything, from mesh sides and high-grade polyester fabric that allows for comfortable travel and easy airflow.

A Sherpa-lined base takes that comfort to the next level. We loved that this carrier comes with all of the gadgets that make travel a breeze, such as an ID card, leash hook and even a collapsible water bowl.

Safety buckle zippers help prevent escape if your dog likes to play Houdini. As well, there are two access points on either side of the bag for easy maneuverability.

The only gripe we had was with the folding. The carrier lacks the support it needs to stand upright stiffly and tends to collapse inward. But honestly, it’s forgivable considering the high quality and numerous amenities it comes with.

Snoozer Wheel Around 4-In-1 Pet Travel Carrier

Main Features

Our Overview

This wheeled carrier is all about convenience. We love that the wheels and extended handle take the strain off your joints.

Soft sides with wide mesh paneling allows for exceptional airflow, plus your dog can keep an eye on what’s going on around her. The large size can fit under an airplane seat, all you have to do is remove the bottom base.

There are lots of great additions, such as a leash that is attached inside, and spacious pockets on the outer sides to hold supplies.

No doubt, this is an expensive carrier. But, if you and your pooch are avid travelers, this is a worthy investment for the convenience and quality.

Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier

Main Features

Strong spring wire frame allows the carrier to be pushed down several inches to fit underneath airplane seats.

Top and side entry with locking zippers for safety

Comes with Faux- lambskin padding

Our Overview

This soft pet carrier comes with a variety of amenities and is built with air travel in mind. The patented wire framing allows the carrier to bend and mold in order to fit securely underneath an airplane seat.

The mesh sides ensure that airflow will not be blocked and your dog stays cool while in close quarters down by your feet.

The quality is top notch with this carrier, as it was built with air travel in mind. There is a thick, soft pad made of faux-lambskin that can easily be detached and machine washed.

All in all, we loved the sturdiness of this carrier, from the tightly knit mesh to the extra-strong shoulder strap that didn’t loosen or become flimsy.

Petmate Sky Kennel Heavy Duty

Price: $$$

Our Rating: 4.5

Main Features

USDA and IATA approved

Sizes: 21”, 28”, 32”, 36”, 40”, 48”

Plastic construction with hard wire framing

4 sided ventilation

Our Overview

Touted as heavy duty, this pet carrier is suitable for large dogs up to 50 lbs. It’s built solid with air holes adorning all 4 sides of the crate. We especially appreciated the metal grating used instead of plastic for extra ammo against nervous chewers.

It meets the requirements held in place by most airlines, but beware that it comes with plastic bolts for assembly when metal bolts are usually what’s expected. Check with your airline first, as you may need to go out and purchase new bolts.

This carrier comes with a nice flight kit that includes safety stickers, water bowl, and absorbent floor padding. Overall, it covers a lot of bases for a basic, safe hard pet carrier if you aren’t looking for something fancy.

Aspen Pet Pet Porter Plastic Kennel

Price: $

Our Rating: 4

Main Features

Size: 30 to 50 lbs

360 degree ventilation

Tie-down strap holes for extra security

Heavy duty build with plastic

Our Overview

Take your large doggo into the air with ease with this hard, plastic carrier that does its job of protecting your pet from getting jostled about in the cargo hold, all while offering consistent airflow.

The price is on the lower end of the spectrum, so don’t expect any extras like fleece pads or collapsible water bowls.

Instead, you get a durable carrier that is easy to assemble. Alas, be careful when attaching the latch on the back door, as it needs to line up properly in order to close securely.

There are shallow compartments on the top that fail to hold much.

Overall, despite the few low-quality functions, this carrier is a reliable choice if you’re on a budget or making a short trip.

Our favorite hard airline kennel for dogs award goes to the Petmate Sky Kennel. When it comes to flying with your dog in cargo, you want something reliable that she can’t escape from. You also want your dog to feel safe and secure. This heavy duty crate was built for comfort and the quality is exceptional, so you know you get what you pay for.

About Alexandra Animalso

I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love.

Comments

I’ve never had to take a pet on a flight before but I think I would worry myself sick. You’d definitely want to make sure you were using the safest and most comfortable crate. Does the cargo hold tend to be hot or cold?

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